To be discoverable, relevance m/b relevant to a claim or defense - info tends to prove or disprove s/t the law says matter.

Privileged matters?

Privileged matters, even though they are relevant, are not discoverable (atty-client; physician-patient). 26(b)(1)

Confidential matters are not privileged info w/in the law of evidence, and are discoverable if relevant.

Rule 26c - A party m/b able to shield confidential matters from discovery by obtaining a protective order.

Discovery process includes:

26a1 - parties must w/o awaiting a discv request come forward with certain basic info (A-D); required disclosures (cases based administratively or against US or otherwise stipulated or directed by order). 14 days after 26f conference

26b1 - parties ask for additional info under guidelines.

26f - 21 days before scheduling conference parties h/to meet

16b - scheduling order w/in 90 days after Ds appearance and before 120 days of service.

Interrogatories:

Rule 33:
Limit 25, unless leave of court is granted under 26b2
Only send to named parties
Not served before time specified in 26d - before scheduling conference

Request for Admissions:

RULE 36
Matter is admitted unless w/in 30 days after service the party to whom the request is directed serves upon the party requesting the admission a written answer or objection addressed to the matter, signed by the party or by the partys atty.

Party m/ deny the matter or set forth reasons why the party c/n admit or deny it - 37c.

All relevant non privileged materials prepared by an atty with an eye t/w litigation are free from discovery unless the party seeking discv can show (I) a subst need for the materials and (ii) an inability to obtain equivalent material by other means.

Expert information:

Rule 26b4 contains special provisions for discovery of experts.

Attempts to blance 2 competing procedural policies: a policy against freeloading and laziness by one party who seeks to develop his case through the efforts of the other party, and that both parties s/h access to all vital info prior to trial.